How to Spot a Lemon at the Used Car Lot

How to Spot a Lemon at the Used Car Lot

Most blogs about how to spot a lemon at a used car lot recommend you do homework before you start car shopping. In other words, they say you ought to research the makes and models you might be interested in, and check:

  • that they are known to be reliable
  • that there are no known safety or operational issues with any particular year
  • that recalls have been kept to a minimum or are non-existent
  • that friends and family don’t have anything bad to say

While researching makes and models is an important step in the car buying process, it wouldn’t exactly help prevent you from ending up with a lemon. Why? Let’s take a look: Read More

8 Things to Look For When Buying a Classic Car

Searles Classic Cars

Ah, summer! Arguably everyone’s favourite time of year. What’s not to love? The sun is shining, the BBQ is fired up, beaches are getting lots of attention, and everywhere you look there’s a beauty on the road with her top down, all shined up and putting on a show.

It’s almost enough to want you to go out and buy a classic car of your very own.

Whether it’s been a dream of yours for years, or you’re just starting your search, buying a collector takes a little bit of research, a can-do attitude and the willpower to resist buying the first one you fall in love with. Read More

Buying a Preowned Car? Here’s 5 Essential Tips

The words “used car” strike fear into some folks, but finding and buying a pre-owned car that’s reliable and suits your needs is easier than it seems. Before you sign on the dotted line, though, check out these five tips for navigating your way to the car that’s right for you.

1. Consider Your Others’ Experience

It’s easy to get excited when you see a decently priced 20-year-old BMW, especially if that particular model has always appealed to you. But have you ever driven a BMW? Let alone one that is several-decades old?

The older BMW might be a good buy, but if you don’t have any BMW experience, you might want to consider doing your research and asking around to friends and family who do have experience with BMWs. Also, do research online and read reviews to find out about common issues with that particular model.

Old BMW

2. The Price isn’t Always Right

Cheap cars are cheap for a reason. It cannot be stressed enough: there’s nothing more expensive than a cheap used car. In fact, when a car owner won’t budge much from their original asking price, there might be a good reason — it might be a good car.

Find out the general value of the model you’re looking for and don’t consider vehicles priced significantly below that benchmark as that’s how you end up with a lemon. Read More